North Coast Highland Whisky Tour

Experience the spirit of Scotland’s Far North on a privately guided North Coast Highland Whisky Tour, designed for travellers exploring the northeast Highlands and the quieter, more remote stretches of the North Coast 500. This is a bespoke, unhurried experience shaped entirely around you, combining exceptional whisky, dramatic coastal landscapes and genuine local insight in a part of Scotland few visitors truly explore.

Ideal for guests staying between Dornoch and Bettyhill, including Golspie, Brora, Helmsdale, Wick, Thurso and surrounding areas, the tour offers a rare opportunity to discover the whisky heritage of Caithness in comfort and style. You will travel in either a luxury SUV for up to 3 guests or a premium minibus for up to 8 guests, ensuring a relaxed and refined journey through one of Scotland’s most compelling whisky frontiers. For groups of up to 7 guests, two knowledgeable guides may be provided, offering a deeper level of hosting throughout the day, while larger private parties can be accommodated by combining both vehicles.

With privileged access and detailed local knowledge, each itinerary is carefully curated to reflect your base location, pace and interests. Distillery visits may include the maritime character of Old Pulteney in Wick, the northern craftsmanship of Wolfburn in Thurso, the contemporary approach of 8 Doors at John O’Groats, and the bold spirit of North Point Distillery on the rugged north coast. Each stop reveals a different expression of northern Highland whisky, shaped by sea air, climate and resilience.

To preserve the quality and flow of the experience, each tour is planned around up to five thoughtfully chosen stops, which may include distilleries, scenic viewpoints and lesser known local highlights. This ensures a seamless, unhurried day that allows time to savour both the whisky and the extraordinary landscape that surrounds it.

While whisky sits at the heart of the journey, the North Coast also offers remarkable cultural and natural landmarks. Where desired, we can incorporate dramatic coastal viewpoints, ancient archaeological sites or historic ruins, adding further depth and variety without ever feeling rushed.

Every North Coast Highland Whisky Tour is private, thoughtfully designed and hosted with the same care and attention to detail. Guests may choose from three levels of experience depending on how much organisation, access and exclusivity they wish to enjoy.

Standard Private Tour

A flexible, beautifully designed private tour shaped around your preferences and base location, supported by expert local knowledge. Distillery tours and tastings are booked separately on a pay as you go basis, with clear guidance and advance planning support provided. Whisky from our personal collection is enjoyed during the day, adding a personal and distinctive element to the experience.

Curated Package

A seamless, fully organised whisky experience with all distillery admissions and tastings arranged in advance. This option is ideal for guests who want a smooth, effortless day with no decisions or payments to manage, simply arriving and enjoying a carefully structured itinerary featuring guaranteed high quality northern distilleries.

Premium Experience

A standalone, highly exclusive whisky journey created for enthusiasts seeking rare access and deeper engagement. This experience may include specialist or premium distillery visits, private tastings hosted throughout the day featuring rare or limited bottlings, and access to experiences not available to the general public. Each Premium Experience is designed individually and offers an exceptional level of intimacy, insight and privilege in one of Scotland’s most remote whisky regions.

The difference between each tier lies in the level of access, organisation and exclusivity, while the standard of service remains consistently high throughout.

For guests arriving by cruise ship into Scrabster Harbour near Thurso, we also offer a six hour, cruise ship friendly whisky experience designed to fit comfortably within typical shore excursion schedules. Pick up and drop off are arranged directly at Scrabster port, allowing you to experience the finest northern distilleries and Highland scenery within your time ashore, delivered with the same care and attention as our full day tours.

Whether you are staying in Caithness, travelling the North Coast as part of a wider Highland journey, or visiting by cruise ship, every North Coast Highland Whisky Tour is curated with care, insight and a genuine passion for sharing one of Scotland’s most compelling and least explored whisky regions.

If you have particular distilleries, whisky styles or alternative experiences in mind, I will be happy to advise on how best to shape your day, or suggest options that will elevate the experience even further.